Religious congregations worldwide have had to embrace livestreaming church services during the COVID-19 pandemic. While livestreaming church services is not a new practice, the benefits of livestreaming services are now known to a broader population of churchgoers worldwide. Given this, many churches will continue livestreaming even as in-person services resume.
Effectively livestreaming church services requires expertise in media ministry, combining knowledge of ministerial practices with advanced technical and creative skills. Arkansas State University (A-State) offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Creative Media Production with an Emphasis in Media Ministry online program for those interested in developing this expertise. This degree program’s integrated skills and knowledge can help graduates take advantage of the following benefits of livestreaming church services.
Promoting and Maintaining the Safety of the Congregation
The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly highlighted the benefit of livestreaming. Livestreaming church services has helped to keep the church community safe and healthy during the pandemic.
Plus, religious leaders are influential in their communities. The World Health Organization notes that religious leaders can help promote safe practices community-wide by implementing livestreaming church services. In this way, religious leaders can support public health goals and positive outcomes in challenging times.
The Power of Live Interaction
Recording, editing and posting a polished church service online allows for high production value. However, livestreaming encourages real-time interaction even when church services are held remotely, allowing for more individuals to participate from anywhere. In addition, parishioners can communicate with each other during and after the livestreamed service. Live social interaction is important for building community and fostering a feeling of connectedness between church members — even if attendees cannot physically witness a service.
Increased Accessibility
Church members may not be able to attend services in person for many reasons. They may be homebound due to illness or other obligations. They may be living in a nursing facility or assisted living home, making in-person services logistically challenging. They could be traveling for vacation, working as a professional or volunteer or in the armed forces. Or, they may have recently moved but still want to be part of their long-lasting church community.
Nurses can listen to a Sunday morning service while driving home from a weekend night shift. A parent with children can still participate in a weeknight livestreamed bible study group.
Livestreaming also allows parishioners with non-traditional schedules to participate in various church activities, regardless of the circumstances.
Broadening the Church’s Reach
Some religious leaders fear that livestreaming services will result in fewer people attending church. However, according to ChurchLeaders, livestreaming can increase church attendance. Livestreaming has the potential to improve both member engagement and outreach efforts.
Livestreaming via social media, specifically, helps churches connect with younger individuals who spend most of their social time on digital platforms. Livestreaming builds a church’s online presence and supports digital marketing and outreach.
Prospective church members can also “try out” a church through livestreaming services. The streaming environment may feel more comfortable and less pressured than attending a new church in person.
Differentiating Services
Many teachers are using technology and mixed media to differentiate or customize learning experiences to better meet the unique needs of their students. Similarly, media ministry professionals can differentiate livestreamed services by incorporating produced video, audio and graphics into services.
Livestreamed services can also be split into breakout groups like youth congregations for portions of the service. Or a church member doing missionary work abroad could give a livestreamed presentation to the congregation about their experiences. Such ways of differentiating how members experience church services can help improve engagement for the whole church community.
Livestreaming services can also facilitate global ministry interactions, connecting church communities around the world. Livestreaming can support expanded fundraising efforts and even be directly monetized. With adequate education and experience, media ministry experts can help religious institutions reap the many benefits of livestreaming church services and advance into a new era of enriched digital ministry.
Learn more about A-State’s online B.S. in Creative Media Production with an Emphasis in Media Ministry program.
Sources:
Church Production: Top 6 Reasons Your Church Should Be Live Streaming
ChurchLeaders: Will Live Streaming Hurt Church Attendance
Dacast: The Top 12 Benefits of Live Streaming Church Services in 2021